Trials of the Austrian Breast Cancer Group (ABC)

The Austrian Breast Cancer Group (ABC) consisting of more than 60 participa ting centers in Austria has randomized more than 5800 patients in 11 random ized trials since 1984. At present, roughly 30 % of all patients with the d iagnosis primary breast cancer are accrued in protocols throughout the coun try. Due to specific activities, the breast conservation rate raised from a n initial 20 % to more than 60% in the last years. Multicenter trials are n ot only the basis for progress in medicine but also tools for quality contr ol and quality improvement.